Updated Google+ iOS app allows videoconferencing

After opening its upcoming social network Google+ to the public, search giant Google has upgraded its Google+ app to allow videoconferencing for users of Apple’s iOS devices. The upgraded Google+ app for iOS has upgrades similar to those recently released for devices running Google’s Android operating system. “Mobile Hangouts allows you to video chat with up to nine friends while you’re on the go," said a description of the app in Apple’s App Store. Other new features in Version 1.0.4.2326 of the app for iOS include:

• Huddle is now Messenger
• Send photos in Messenger
• +1 on comments
• Reliability improvements in Messenger
• Granular push notification settings
• Map view in profile for places you’ve lived
• Improved +mention support
• Share a post with individuals
• Improved public search for people

The app is a 16.1-mb download and is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad running iOS 4.0 or later. A separate article on tech site Mashable noted the app came out shortly after Google+ transitioned from limited field testing to beta – and after social networking giant Facebook introduced major changes of its own. On the other hand, Macstories said that the new Google+ update for iPhone “feels like an important step forward in bringing the app up to parity with the website, as well as the mobile Android client." — TJD, GMA News